04/16/1996 (2)
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NAHAB
Neighborhood & Affordable Housing
Advisory Board
MINUTES
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, Date
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Chair
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member - arrived 10:02 a.m.
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member - arrived 10:13 a.m.
Economic Development Assistant Director
Economic Development Loan Officer
Board Reporter
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NEIGHBORHOOD &. AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
April 16, 1996
Present:
Shirley Moran
Mayme W. Hodges
Rev. William Graham
William Turner, Sr.
Bertha Kelley
Howard Groth
Mary Myhill
Milly Joplin
Michael Holmes
Diane C. Hufford
Patricia O. Sullivan
Absent:
George Konstantinidis
Board Member
The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research. items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed In that order.
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ITEM # 2 - ADoroval of Minutes
Consensus was to postpone approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of
March 19, 1996, until the May 21, 1996 meeting.
ITEM #3 - Aaencv Presentation - Economic Develooment - Loan Officer Diane Hufford
Loan Officer Diane Hufford reported the Economic Development Department offers
technical assistance opportunities to small City businesses and to those relocating to
Clearwater. She reviewed SBA (Small Business Administration) standard criteria used to
classify a business as "small" and qualified for aid. Economic Development has available
brochures listing these criteria. Qualifying small businesses apply to local lenders for
guaranteed SBA loans. Staff can help a wide range of qualifying businesses develop
business plans to obtain capital and tailor financing packages to meet SBA program
guidelines. Ms. Hufford will provide board members with a business plan outline.
The SBA 7A Program is for businesses needing working capital, etc. The SBA 504
Program is a partnership program and provides long term fixed-asset financing at below
market rates. One important qualification requires the creation of a permanent job for
every $35,000 of SBA funds provided.
Federal funds available for businesses lacking tenure offer short term loans and
require job creation for very-low or low-income persons. Last year, Economic Development
leveraged over $4.5-million in private funds from local banks. In the first quarter ~ staff has
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leveraged $1.5-million in loans, resulting in 12 Clearwater businesses adding 44 employees
to their payrolls.
Economic Development works in partnership with CNHS (Clearwater Neighborhood
Housing Services), monitoring business activities funded by the City with Federal dollars.
Last year, a staff seminar covered export trading in the 90s. The May 15, 1996, seminar
addresses general marketing, marketing information, etc. Loan Officers currently are part
of the team staffing the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) office.
In answer to a question, Economic Development Assistant Director Michael Holmes
said NAHAS (Neighborhood & Affordable Housing Advisory Board) does not review or
approve loans but sets the loan pool funding amounts. It was noted NAHAB can educate
the community regarding available programs. In answer to a question regarding loans to
small businesses and artisans, Ms. Hufford said an Economic Development program
supported by federal funds helps businesses become "bankable't and qualify for loans. A
loan committee reviews all program loans.
In answer to a question, Ms. Hufford reviewed her background as a loan officer,
familiar with SBA lending. In answer to a question, Mr. Holmes said Economic
Development is working with Winn Dixie to open a store locally. Ms. Hufford indicated
grocery stores create job opportunities. Ms. Hufford said several banks are authorized to
handle SBA loans. To help expedite the process, Economic Development helps complete
the extensive paperwork and contacts clients. banks to verify their status as SBA lenders.
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ITEM #4 - Subgrantee Reoorts
All agencies submitted reports except CSF {Community Services Foundation} and
Neighborly Senior Services. CSF has someone new responsible for this report. Neighborly
Senior Services also experienced administrative difficulties. In answer to a question, Mr.
Holmes said when a property has gone to official closing, money is "encumbered" by being
deposited in escrow and available to the homeowner through a two-way check. A similar
program that funds rehabilitation projects is payable once a City inspector approves the
work. These funds came from CDSG (Community Development Block Grants) and SHIP
(State Housing Initiatives Partnership).
It was noted expenditures for Partners in Self Sufficiency were not posted in March.
Mr. Holmes said that report was late and staff was unable to include the information in
the report. Staff will continue indicating the importance of submitting reports on time and
emphasizing how time lines affect agencies. rankings. It was recommended to encourage
non-profits to act responsibly regarding submissions.
In answer to a question, Mr. Holmes estimated CNHS has 20 outstanding loans.
Repayment of one loan could result in a high monthts income. Not much activity has
occurred with this program. The City had allocated $50,000 to this program.
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It was questioned if the CRTls (Community Response Team) report reflects visits to
separate clients or repeat visits. Staff is working with the CRT to list multiple visits to the
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ITEM #5 - Board Member Monitoring Reoorts
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same address only once. HUD requires information regarding the number of households
assisted. It was noted the CRT is doing a great job.
It was questioned why the City-wide rehabilitation program does not appear of the
cover sheet of the board's reporting forms. It was suggested that staff add lines to the
report and include this information on the cover sheet.
Member Graham reported he met with Michael Boykins, Unit Director of the Condon
Gardens Boys and Girls Club. It is difficult to retain older children because the club offers
few activities that interest this group. The club lacks funds to purchase games of interest
to teen children. To meet the needs of older children, the program needs workers, funds,
four computers, and a copy machine. Participation is good but the club can accommodate
more children. It was questioned if older children had expressed an interest in specific
activities. Member Graham said they are interested in computers. It was suggested the
children be taught chess, crafts, and carpentry. Member Graham said Girls Inc. teaches
some of those skills.
Member Myhill reported she spoke with Francis Cato, Director of Community
Services and Human Resources for POC (Pinellas Opportunity Council). The POC, founded
in 1968, has a 50 member staff and administrative offices in St. Petersburg with five
satellite offices in North and South county. Last year, POC served more than 2,000 very-
,)I.I.\:\ low income clients. The executive director is a member of a 30-member board that
; '''~.I!' represents the public and private sectors and low income residents. She felt this inclusion
is important. The City has funded the Chore Services program which assists frail and
homebound elderly with heavy projects such as lawn care and housekeeping. City funds
did not pay for any pac administrative services. The pac has an AIDs respite program,
supports job development and senior employment assistance programs, and provides food
baskets and subsidies for medicine, eyeglasses, utilities, rent, and mortgage payments.
Referrals come from HRS, other agencies, and word of mouth. The pac is funded by
federal, State, and City sources, churches and other agencies. The City funded only one
of POCts programs.
Member Kelley reported she spoke with the director of Neighborly Senior Services.
Showers were not installed due to uncertainties regarding the program's future location.
As planned renovations currently include showers, the agency plans to use the City's
appropriation of $6,000 for supplies. It was questioned if the City must approve a change
of use when funds were allocated for a specific purpose. Mr. Holmes said Economic
Development Executive Director Alan Ferri can approve minor changes. To substantially
change the use of funds, an agency is required to repeat the citizen participation process.
It was questioned if a policy or procedure specifically addresses an agency independently
changing direction in the use of allocated funds.
ITEM #6 - Old Business
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a) Review NAHAS Consolidated Plan Calendar
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Funding applications are due April 19, 1996. Site visits are scheduled for May 3,
1996. If many applications are submitted, additional visits may be scheduled for May 4,
1996. Subgrantees will make their presentations on May 21, 1996. The Technical
Review Committee will analyze applications on May 28, 1996, and NAHAS will complete
their evaluations on June 4, 1996. Sy June 14, 1996, the Consolidated Plan will be
drafted for public comment, extending until July 18, 1996. The Plan will be presented to
the City Commission on July 18, 1996, and submitted to HUD on August 15, 1996.
The Chair will present NAHAS1s Annual Report to the Commission on June 6,
1996, shortly after 6:00 p.m. All board members are requested to attend. Members
Myhill and Joplin volunteered to work with the Chair reviewing NAHAS's past year1s
accomplishments.
ITEM #7 M New Business
a) New Municipal Lobbying Ordinance
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Mr. Holmes reported on March 21, 1996, the City Commission adopted Ordinance
#6002-96, requiring lobbyist registration. He reviewed ordinance requirements and noted
NAHAS is subject to lobbying regulations. Every lobbyist must register before approaching
NAHAB members. Concern was expressed a large gray area exists. NAHAS members will
be required to inquire if someone who is lobbying is registered. It was suggested the City
develop a registration card.
ITEM #9 M Announcements
a) Next Scheduled Agency Report
The Chair noted no reports will be scheduled until the application process is
complete. Mr. Holmes said the next report will be scheduled for October 1996, after the
next Fiscal Year's funding begins. As agencies receiving funds are identified before
October, it was suggested to schedule a report in September. It was noted too much time
is lost due to the extended application process. Concern was expressed last year's
schedule did not permit each agency to make a presentation. Mr. Holmes suggested more
reports could be scheduled each meeting if each report is shorter in length. It was felt
every agency should present an annual report. Reports help board members evaluate
applications and understand how agencies ara progressing.
Consensus was to schedule each funded agency for a presentation in Fiscal Year
1996/97.
Regarding subgrantee presentations, Mr. Holmes said NAHAS members will be
provided copies of agency applications that meet program requirements prior to the May 3,
1996, site visits.
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b) Site Visits M May 3, 1996
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Mr. Holmes reported the bus trip will begin in front of City Hall Annex on Friday,
May 3, 1996, at 9:00 a.m.
c) Consolidated Plan applicants presentations ~ May 21, 1996
Applicant presentations are scheduled for May 21, 1996, at 7:00 p.m. in
Chambers.
d) Next Scheduled Regular Meeting - May 21. 1996
In lieu of the regularly scheduled May meeting, NAHAB will meet on May 21, 1996,
at 6:00 p.m. for applicant presentations.
Mr. Holmes said staff will send notice regarding the location and time of the June
4, 1996, evaluation meeting and distribute copies of the rating sheet.
The next regular NAHAS meeting is scheduled for June 18, 1996, at 10:00 a.m.
ITEM #10 - Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:51 a.m.
air
Neighborhoo & Affordable Housing
Advisory Board
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